Parish Farm

Acolytes
St. Philip's is blessed to have both adults and youth in active service at the altar.  Acolytes assist the priest in carrying out the liturgies of the church.  Acolytes are essential to conducting the ceremonial of Episcopal liturgy and duties may range from serving as crucifer (processional cross bearer) to thurifer (person who carries the thurible of incense) to ringing altar bells during the Eucharistic prayer.  Duties also vary according to the service time.  Acolyte duties at the 8:00 a.m. Rite I Eucharist differ greatly from those of the 10:30 a.m. Rite II Eucharist.  We are always recruiting new acolytes! If you are interested please speak with David Williams, the priest, or one of the acolytes.

Altar Guild
The altar guild is comprised of men and women who assist the priest in preparing the altar for worship.  Their ministry is one of service.  They care for the sacred vessels used to celebrate the Holy Eucharist including care of metal ware and mass linens. They also oversee the ordering of flowers and supplies.  They carry out their duties in the sanctuary, "the Holy of Holies," with great reverence.  Service in the altar guild is open to all interested people, for further information please see altar guild director, Susan Parker, or speak with the priest.

Christian Education
We have an experienced team of individuals who provide Christian education with an Episcopal curriculum to children from grades K-12. The classes are held during the 10:30 Eucharist and the youth rejoin the congregation at The Peace.    St. Philip's has a well appointed nursery and trained volunteers should you have nursery age children.  Adults enjoy forums and various study groups which usually meet seasonally.  There are myriad educational opportunities and workshops for both youth and adults offered by the Diocese.  The bulletin board in the Parish Hall is the best place to find out what types of opportunities are available. Please see Susan Parker, Doug Kohli, or Lisa Tatman for further information.

ECW - Episcopal Church Women
The ECW is comprised of the women of the parish.  They meet monthly throughout the year and are the backbone of many of the church's ministries.  They staff and fund several projects both within the church and those serving the greater community.  One example of service to the community is the annual Leora Sayre Memorial Luncheon.  This luncheon is served every December to more than one hundred employees of Pickaway Diversified Sheltered Workshop.  You may begin to notice a pattern of food and hospitality: the group also oversees many elegant receptions following the 10:30 Eucharist, the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, the St. Nicholas Day parish dinner and the St. Patrick's Day parish dinner.  They also contribute to many renovation projects throughout the physical plant.

Reed Hugus poses with "The Zucchini that ate Circleville."

Hunger Outreach
The Hunger Task Force actively works to help meet the needs of those who might otherwise go without food.  The group works monthly in the local Community Kitchen which feeds local persons in the style of a traditional soup kitchen.  The group also spearheads parish involvement with the local food pantry and emergency clearing house.  Some activities include participation in the Crop Walk and collecting food and funds on designated Sundays to benefit those in need.  Marilyn Merideth is the contact person for this active group which seeks to actively help put an end to hunger in our community.  Please contact her through the church office for further information.

Lectors
Lectors, or "Lay Readers," read assigned scripture, or lessons, during worship.  Lectors also lead the Prayers of the People and are responsible for coordinating petitions and intercessions from the congregation to be read during the Eucharist. St. Philip's boasts a multi-generational assembly of lectors!  If you are interested in becoming a lector, please speak with the priest.

LEM-Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Members of the parish are trained and receive a license from the Bishop to take the sacrament, or communion, to sick and homebound individuals who cannot be present at the Eucharist.  Training is offered on a Diocesan level, please speak with the priest if you feel called to this ministry.

Meeting Space
St. Philip's plays host to various community groups throughout the year.  Some groups may use the Parish Hall once a year, others may use it once a month or even weekly.  Our Parish Hall is a large space which is suitable for many gatherings from receptions to business meetings and retreats. If you are interested in using the Parish Hall for your group or event, please discuss the details of your request with the parish secretary, Sharon Hawkins.

Music
The music program at St. Philip's is led by the organist and choirmaster.  The organist works with the priest to ensure that the quality of music Episcopalians expect is carried out capably.  The choir, which is made up of volunteers,  leads the singing of hymns during the 10:30 Eucharist from September through the end of May.  They perform various anthems and service music ranging from the classic to the contemporary while maintaining the excellence of traditional Anglican liturgy.  If you would like to be part of the choir, please speak with one of the choir members following the Eucharist.

Pumpkin Festival
What kind of church would we be if we didn't take part in the town's long-running festival which draws over half a million people to Circleville every October?  The parish takes great pride in our pumpkin chili known as, "Phili's Chili," which is served to hundreds of hungry visitors - many of whom return year after year and we know by name.  The parish also rents spaces in its parking lot to visitors which, combined with Phili's Chili, serves as a major fund raising project.

Social Groups
Where Gen-Xers, Baby Boomers and The Greatest Generation all "play well with others." No running with scissors here! (we tried it once)  Members of the parish often enjoy the close proximity of Columbus by getting together in the capital city to dine out, attend concerts and theater offerings, see the latest movie or other types of activities that promote wellness and community among parishioners.  Offerings are normally organized by Rebecca Nance and are open to all members of the parish and their guests.  If you have an idea for fun, please contact Rebecca through the church office.    

Ushers/Greeters
The ushers and greeters welcome people at the front doors of the church-even  through rain, sleet and snow!  You'll always find a friendly smile greeting you when you visit our parish.  The ushers will also happily assist you in finding a seat or providing whatever type of assistance you may need to help you enjoy your worship experience. The ushers also bring the gifts of bread and wine forward at the offertory and help direct communicants to the altar rail.  Everyone is invited to take part in this ministry of hospitality.  You may sign up for duty as an individual, couple or family.  Please contact the parish secretary, Sharon Hawkins, to sign up.  

 If you wish to know more about our various ministries, please contact us at 740.474.4525 or stphilipscircleville@verizon.net